Losing Hearts and Minds

The U.S. fleet patrols Asia's sea lanes, ensuring that precious oil can be imported and profitable consumer goods exported. Tens of thousands of American servicemen are stationed in nearly 200 military installations across Asia, in theory to protect the region from ruinous conflict. American culture has put its technicolor stamp just about everywhere. The West Wing is a hit in Hong Kong and Friends is very popular in—of all places—Pakistan.

Why then, is the U.S. losing friends in Asia? Last month, South Korean students hurled Molotov cocktails onto U.S. military bases while in Pakistan mourners thronged the streets...